Dish of BLT Pasta Salad
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BLT Pasta Salad


North America
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 1-3/4 #
**
20 min
2 hrs		 A popular salad all over North America, based on Pasta with Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. Be sure to read Ranch Dressing before starting this recipe.

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6
7
9
6
4
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1/2
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oz
oz
oz
oz
oz
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c
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-- Salad
Pasta, small (1)
Bacon
Romaine Lettuce
Grape Tomatoes (2)  
Red Onion
-- Dressing
Ranch Dressing (3)
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Do Ahead
  1. Make Ranch Dressing   -   (20 min).
  2. Cook PASTA the usual way in boiling salted water. Drain and tumble the Pasta with a few drops of Olive Oil so it won't stick together. Let it cool thoroughly   -   (2 hrs - 10 min work)
  3. Slice BACON very thin (If Slab Bacon). Cut into into about 1/2 x 3/4 inch pieces. In a small skillet fry until just a little crisp. Set aside to drain and cool   -   (20 min).
Make   -   (20 min)
  1. Tear or chop LETTUCE into medium bite size pieces.
  2. Cut TOMATOES as needed - see Tomatoes.
  3. Quarter ONION lengthwise and slice thin crosswise.
  4. Mix Salad Ingredients in a large mixing bowl. When ready to serve, pour on Dressing and toss for even distribution.
  5. Serve cool or cold.
NOTES:

  1. Pasta:

      Many prefer Farflle (Bow Ties), others prefer Rotelle (Spirals), but any short pasta shape can be used.

  2. Tomatoes:

      You can use Grape Tomatoes cut in half crosswise, Cherry Tomatoes (larger) cut in half lengthwise, then the halves crosswise. You can also use small regular tomatoes cut into about 1/2 inch dice.

  3. Ranch Dressing:

      This recipe is based on our recipe for Ranch Dressing. Recipes that use commercial bottled dressing or made from Hidden Valley mix have to add Mayonnaise and Sour Cream to the Salad. That is not necessary with our dressing. Their formula goes something like this: 1/4 cup Bottled Ranch Dressing, 1/4 cup Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Sour Cream, 1/4 teaspoon Pepper, 1 Tablespoon Vinegar. Some use all Mayonnaise and no Sour Cream.
  4. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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